Thursday, October 30, 2008

What a Difference a YEAR makes....



Just one year ago, we were about to experience our first Halloween with a Diabetic Child. The thought of Halloween with a diagnosis like this was nothing less than overwhelming!
Max, of course was only excited to dress up as Thomas the Train and get lots of candy! It didn't even matter to him if it meant he had to get extra finger pokes and added shots - it was worth it!
We were released from the hospital a little over a week before Halloween. We left armed with enough information to choke a person! I left with a duffel bag full of insulin, needles, monitors, nutrition guides, test strips, paper work...and the list goes on.
I packed my newly 4 year old son, onto his wheel chair, and covered him with all the bags his little arms could hold. He was such a champ through the whole process. I was less than brave!!
When I took him in for his routine physical, I had an inkling, the smallest thought, that something may be wrong with Max. I was hoping it was just one of my paranoid mommy thoughts. To make a VERY long and somewhat anger provoking story short...the doctor dismissed my concerns, but a dedicated and wise MA at the office ran a urine check...low and behold, his urine was full of sugar.
They did a sugar check on their glucometer. Kim, a great MA there who we love, said she thought it must be broken, and tested herself. The machine wasn't broken, his sugar was just that high. So high, that it wouldn't register on the machine.
After a long afternoon of blood work, phone calls, frustration and panic, Matt and I decided to go against the doctors VERY WRONG, orders and take Max to Children's Hospital. Once we got there, they did blood work and found a shocking sugar reading...it was in the 700's. That, my friend is EXTREMELY high...just in case you were wondering ;).
We were immediately admitted and hunkered down for our three night, four day stay. Max loved it!! Well, everything but the frequent sugar checks, shots and IV! He still asks to go back and stay sometimes!! He loved that he had mommy all to himself, could watch 24 hour cartoons, go to the playroom and order off his own "room service" menu!
Things have been a whirlwind for us since then. I had a moment of "why my kid" syndrome. Reality, quickly set in, and I realized that there were children MUCH sicker then my own child. I then began to thank God that it is "only diabetes".
Life has gone on for us with only a few minor hiccups. We've had one infection as a result of the diabetes that was quickly cleared up with antibiotics. We've had a few frustrating nights and heartbreaking moments since the initial diagnosis. There have been times when Max, has broken my heart, asking me "Why won't God heal me now, I don't want to take shots anymore"...with tears streaming down his little face - and mine. These moments, praise God, have been few and far between.
We still pray daily for God's healing and believe that God will heal Max....how, we don't know, but trust that one day he will.
I, unfortunately, know what it means to be diabetic. I understand things that Max doesn't and shouldn't understand yet. I know that it puts him at a MUCH higher risk for heart problems and more prone to other illnesses then some. Right now, we are focusing on getting him more hands on with his care. He's doing great and is learning how to check his own sugar! This may not sound like a big deal, but if you've ever had your sugar checked, you know how unnerving it can be to do that...imagine having to poke yourself! It's much harder than it sounds!!!
All that being said...Halloween is tomorrow and I am MUCH less overwhelmed by the event. Max is doing great with his insulin pump. He's had little to know problems with the pump. The only problems we've had are caused by human error! His sugar is fairly well controlled. We'd like to get a bit tighter control over it, but are working on that daily.
Max is a champ and a brave boy. He has blood work done every 6 months due to a thyroid issue too. He doesn't bat an eyelash at it anymore! His brother Sam has also been a big help! He loves helping Max read the numbers on his glucometer and has even had his sugar checked twice! In the beginning he held Max's hand for his shots....it was sweet! Owen will often hold his finger out to be checked too...it's cute. Everyone wants to be involved!
We thank God for bringing us this far. The grace of God has brought us through a storm we didn't expect to weather, but a storm we were able to handle walking with Him. W are are often asked how we handle "all this". Our answer is two fold...We just do...with God's help!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

A List

10 things you can hear me say on any given day:

Are you kidding me!

Welcome to my world.

I said NO!

Did you hear what I said?

Get off the cat...leave the cat alone!

GOOD JOB!

I said NO! - yes, that's on there twice!!!!

Do you want me to call your dad?

Seriously?!?!?

No, you can't have anything from the candy basket...it's 9am.

10 Things I HEAR everyday:

I love you mommy!

What's for lunch?

Can I have something from the candy basket?

MOOOOMMMMM!!!!!!

Nooooooo.....

DoDo, bubba, Kittie, up...all from Owie and repeated several times a day.

When does Dad get home?

What's for dinner?

Hey mom, guess what?

____________hit me. (insert name as needed)

10 things I DO everyday (not for myself):

Change diapers

Do dishes

Vacuum

Pick up toys

Step on toys

Make lunch (almost every day)

Put on shoes on little feet

Give kisses

Hold kids

Spank little bottoms or give timeouts....

10 things we are WORKING on doing everyday:

Putting our clothes away at the end of the day (this includes me)

Brushing our teeth at bedtime

Reading more books

Watching less TV

Helping mommy/daddy with different chores i.e. -setting tables, taking out trash, etc.

Getting Owen to sleep through the night, in his bed.

Hanging up our coats.

Putting our shoes away.

Cleaning up our toys when we are done playing with them.

Not dumping full bins of toys out....just for the fun of it!

Just a glimpse into the simple life we live!!!

Monday, October 27, 2008

Not Me....

Here is my latest confessional of things I DID NOT DO this week.....

I did not have my husband make frantic phone calls, run around like a crazy woman, and secretly rejoice, when my husband and I were able to go to the Selah concert last minute, that would be to childish.

I did not smile with excitement when my friend Carrie told me that they saved us seats in the front...second row front, at the concert.

I most certainly did not go out with my husband and no kids two nights in a row...that would be too good to be true.

I most certainly did not have awesome fajitas while out on Friday night and then enjoy a banana split that a friend bought for me. That would just be way too much to eat.

I did not buy myself some clothes this weekend. That would be wrong because we have no extra money and that would mean I had to put them on a credit card....

I did not spend most of Monday at the hair salon and let my sister do my hair while my in laws watched my kids. That would mean I was super spoiled.

I also did not make my kids last minute Halloween costumes so that they could go to a trick or treat thing with one of my sisters, only to have neither one of the boys wear the costume I rushed to put together...that would just be annoying.

I did not throw a perfectly good towel in the trash after I cleaned up puke with it. That would just be wasteful, you can always wash them....

Friday, October 24, 2008

You Try ....

To get 8 kids under 8 to look....
and smile....

and not act silly...although I LOVE Max in this one....



without the rim of the trash can you were resting on showing...


and it might just be an ok picture after all!
5 of my 10 angel nieces and nephews, plus my three boys at out impromptu trip to the dairy farm!




Thursday, October 23, 2008

Favorite Photo Friday #2

This is there idea of acting natural....
Owen was looking for the "kitties" aka - Alvin and the Chipmunks

Also trying to look natural.....


Pouting little boy. He recovered quickly.








Ahhhh....I've got nothin for this one!




























































Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Ladies Man




This boy can be overheard saying some of the sweetest things...that is when he isn't teasing his brothers, yelling for a toy or telling his mommy "no".




A friend called the other day to tell me something her daughter told her. I was enjoying listening to the story, until she told me that Lexi said, "Guess what Sammy said to me"....my heart skipped a small beat.




My children are notorious for saying things that would shock you. The things my children come up with sometimes are beyond me! My one son, in fact, mentioned, cutting my head off this week and in the same sentence wanted to know how our bones, muscles and skin hold our brain and head up....




Before you think we are horrible parents, we are. Well, we try our best to raise our kids in a God fearing and loving home. Our kids don't play video games, only watch pre screened cartoons and never when we aren't around to see what they are watching. They only read children's books that are age appropriate and only play on children's websites, like webkinz...pretty sure there is no head cutting off there.... my kids are just random. Matt and I have tried to figure out what makes them tick, but have given up and just decided to go along for the ride - within reason of course.




I digress......




Sammy, my sweet, fuzzy haired, six year old said something .... something sweet and kind. It made me smile and made me proud.




He told his little friend Lexi : "Lexi, you just get cuter, and cuter every time I see you". How sweet is that! My little ladies man!!!

Monday, October 20, 2008

It's time again

It's already time for another Not Me Monday....the original idea came from mycharmingkids.blogspot.com - her blog is wonderfully amusing! So the following is the list of things I absolutely did NOT do this week.

I did not let my son eat marshmallows at 9am...that would be a horrible thing to do.

I did not secretly beam with pride when my husband got an interview with Mars Hill Church (Rob Bell) in Grand Rapids and World Vision in the same week!!!

I most certainly did not tell EVERYONE I know about my husbands interviews because I was so proud that he even got an interview - because that would be boasting and that's a sin.

I certainly did not dig through the linen closet at 3am looking for a heating pad and then sleep with said heating pad on my shoulder, because everyone knows your never supp. to sleep with a heating pad turned on.

I did not have a total of 32 kids over my house this week...some were repeat visitors,because that would be insane, having that many kids over in a weeks time.

I did not blame my messy house on the 32 kids that didn't visit this week - that would be a lame excuses, right?!?!

I did not fill up my gas tank 3 times in 5 days. That would be a ridiculous amount of driving.

I most certainly, did not proclaim, with excitement, that I got gas for $2.76, because that would be sad, being excited for gas that is still that expensive.

I didn't spend an entire day telling my son to "get off the cat" because he doesn't have an unnatural affection towards our "kittie"...poor cat.

I did not turn my car around on a drive back home to see if I did in fact see a man laying in the ditch...and it didn't turn out to be a funky shaped trashcan...that would be ridiculous and paranoid.

What didn't you do this week?

Friday, October 17, 2008

I have a problem. I can't clean like a normal person. My house can be (and is) in shambles and I start deep cleaning...
I have yet to figure out why I do this, I think it's because the other stuff can be done any time and by anyone, the deep clean stuff you need energy and cooperative children. Both of which seem hard to come by.....
My house is a disaster, but, my blinds are clean.
My house is in shambles, but, I cleaned my ceiling in my kitchen over the stove.
You could break your leg walking through my living room, but, my microwave has never looked better.
My children have no clean clothes, but, I moved the furniture in the kids bedroom.
My husband had to search for a white shirt today amid the piles of clean clothes, but, the toy room is organized - at least for another hour!

I'm off now to vacuum under the stove....

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Favorite Photo Friday
















Some of my favorite moments.....





Wednesday, October 15, 2008

You Know you have sons when...

You walk into the bathroom and are greeted by...a large toy gun. A gun, that I DID NOT purchase for my son. Nor, was it one I approved of. My boys, of course, think it's the best thing since sliced bread.

There is always a pile of dirt, somewhere in your house. I sat on the boys bedroom floor tonight to read a book and was greeted by a nice sandy pile...from what - I don't know.

You have trains and Hotwheel cars everywhere. The van, the diaper bag and even my purse!

You can always find my brush and hairspray - something that I know my mother never had the luxury of - with 4 daughters!

There are rocks sitting on your counter. It has been there for almost a week. It's a "souvenir" I was told, brought home for me, from the ongoing construction on our road. Daddy took them for a walk while I was at work and Sammy brought it home for me. Sweet thought....

You can NEVER find a screw driver...never! What they do with them, I don't know, but they take them somewhere.....

You find a rubber mallet in my van. Why????

You overhear conversations between your boys about bodily functions.

You actually catch your children having a "pee race" - let your mind wander and that's what it is.

You have to break your child of the "peeing outside" habit.

You've taken a child or three home from church soaking wet because the puddles in the parking lot were just too tempting.

You never have children with clean fingernails...it's impossible.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Not Me Monday

Here is my list for Not Me Monday - I got the idea from another blog I read!
I think the honesty or denial helps....

I did not sleep guilelessly in the car, while my husband drove us to Grand Rapids and back. I am a thoughtful wife who would always keep my husband company.
I did not consume two doughnuts, cotton candy, cookies and a piece of pumpkin pie on Saturday. I am quite a healthy eater and not a bit overweight.
I certainly did not allow my kids to eat the same junk that I ate, just because it was a fun day out as a family.
I did not spend $10.50 on pumpkins because that would be a ridiculous price for something I can grow in my backyard.
I didn't take my kids to the doctor and then ask the doctor to look at my ear too, I'd make my own appointment for that.
I most certainly did not set the alarm off at work today and have the police come out to my work. I am a responsible supervisor who never does things like that.
When the afore mentioned police officer did not arrive at the office, he didn't point out to me that my tags were expired on the car. Matt and I are always on top of things.
I did not, not have my drivers license with me when the cop showed up, because a cop never showed up, remember.
I did not take the wrong freeway today on my way home from work. I have a tremendous sense of direction.
I certainly did not open several packages of food while grocery shopping to keep my youngest son from screaming the entire time. I have my children perfectly under control.
I do not still have a basket of clothes folded in my living room that have been there for a week now. I'm not lazy and put all my laundry away as soon as it's done.

What didn't you do this week?

Friday, October 10, 2008

Who Says..





Who says that glasses and an eye patch can't look good!!!
















Thursday, October 9, 2008

Why Two Year Olds Shouldn't Use Markers







Markers are lots of fun right? I love markers - sharpies especially. I use them whenever I can. I remember, as a kid, being so excited when the teacher let us use markers! Remember those days...when markers were exciting!



My boys love markers. They always have. Max loves to color and is my detailed artist, he's always only colored on paper...it's a miracle.



Sam on the other hand was my Picasso, he chose to color my walls, doors, clothing, floors, anything but paper.



My Owie on the other hand...he is my little tatoo artist.... I'm pretty sure he'll look blue for a while...washable markers are never really washable!



Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Mommy moment

I have to take a moment to brag on my oldest boy..my little love bug. He is in the highest reading group! I was so thrilled! I of course didn't make a big deal out of the level he's on. We just praised him for his great reading skills. Secretly though, Matt and I are thrilled that he's doing so well!

I had that moment today...that Mom moment.
A moment where you do something, out of instinct and pure adrenaline.

I went to pick the boys up from my moms. I needed to hurry, because my sister was waiting at the house for me to babysit 3 of her kids.

I went over and picked Owie up off the chair, as, at that exact moment, he was unwilling to leave...after all, grandma had Thomas the Train on for him.

The floor was littered with trains and tracks...normally, my mom would yell to be sure I picked everything up. She knew I was in a hurry - that or she was trying to prevent three more small children from invading her home, so I didn't pick anything up.

I grabbed the boy, turned around and went to walk out. In my haste, I stepped on Trevor the Traction Engine and went flying...

The rest seems to be a blurr...but for those of you who know me, I am no longer a small girl. I am a LARGE woman. No debate about it...I'm a big girl. Owen is a little boy....Mommy falling with baby in arms....scary thought.

One of my sisters was in the room and saw the whole thing. She immediately jumped up to see if I was ok. It hurt....BAD!!!

I landed, knees first, on the gound with nothing to break my fall...all of my pounds fell right on my knees.

Somehow, if my fall, I managed to cradle Owen in my arms and gently lay him on the floor. I don't know how, but I did it.

My only thought was: Don't drop him, don't fall on him...and I didn't!

My mom came in the room and asked what happen...my sister said the sweetest words I've heard in a long time: "She sacraficed herself to keep her son safe, that's what happened". Then my ever so loving and gentle mother said; " You didn't hurt your ankle again did you?"

Owen was certainly startled and fussed briefly. I know have quite the bruise on one knee and swollen and sore knees to boot.

No major damage done for me or Owen...I wish I could say the same for the train track I demolished and the poor Trevor train. They didn't whether so well!

Mouths of Babes

Tonight, I had to go to a site in Milan and train a new employee. Unfortunately, I had to miss church and of course Matt was speaking tonight...go figure.
While I was working, my friend, Amy called me. She teaches the two older boys during the service. She told me she had to tell me a story...
She was talking to the kids about Christmas and how they were all going to start to make presents to give to people...things like that.
Max, immediately, raised his hand and said:
"Miss Amy, I already know what I am going to buy my grandma, DIAPER CREAM."
She said, he was dead serious. He didn't smile, laugh or look for any sort of reaction. She didn't know what to say...before she could say anything else another little boy shot his hand up and said:
"Oh, yeah, diaper cream...my mom wears those adult diapers sometimes too".
Miss Amy quickly ended this conversation! All she can figure is that he meant pads, as we know the other boys mother and are fairly certain she doesn't wear adult diapers....
Max on the other hand, had no rhyme of reason for his comment. Now you know why he's so often referred to as our "special child". This comment, from his mouth, was not at all surprising. In his little mind, there must be some reason that grandma needs diaper cream....at least its a cheap gift.

Sam got the "chicken pox" note sent home from school yesterday, just weeks after the "lice" note...man, did that make homeschooling look good.
While we were driving, I was trying to get Sam to tell me if it was a kid in his class that had chicken pox - not that it mattered...I was just curious.
Sammy went into this discussion about two boys named Dillion and D (something). He told me that one of them had the chicken pox but that he didn't know which one, because they are twins. He then told me that they look just alike and are identical..that makes them triplets. I tried to explain triplets to him, but he kept insisting that because they looked alike they were triplets...he got frustrated and asked to stop talking about it - Matt asked me to stop talking about it too!

Not Me Monday

Another confessional of things I most certainly DID NOT DO this week:

I did not wear the same clothes I slept in all day on Saturday. I am always perfectly dressed....
I did not, not change out the aforementioned clothes when company arrived - because, after all, I didn't wear the same clothes all day - remember.
I didn't feed my family pizza, two nights in a row. I always make balanced, home cooked meals.
I most certainly did not let my son were his pants backwards and his shoes on the wrong feet to the store. I would never let him go in public like that.
I did not have to rewash two loads of laundry this week because I forgot about them...and I don't have one in the wash right now that is going to need rewashed...who is that LAZY - not me.
I didn't spend two hours on the Internet registering for free samples and coupons because I found a great new blog that gives a list of all of them...if you want the name of the blog that I didn't waste all my time on, let me know....
My son, most certainly did not say "hello" to me, in a sarcastic tone, this morning. As in "hello, mom, where is my drink" because me children are always kind and respectful.
I did not watch the season premier of Desperate Housewives, on the laptop last night, because I don't watch trash and am not desperate enough to watch it on the computer...please!
I did not eat the following things for breakfast last week: Noodles, ice cream, chip and dip...I would never eat such unhealthy things for breakfast...only for lunch!
I did not find a digital kids camera at Target, on clearance for 19.99 - regularly $80....oh, wait, I did do that!!!
What didn't you do this week?